Friday's Finds

The romance is NOT supposed to be the plot. This was the subject for discussion on our RWA listserve this morning. And many of us disagree. Yes, the romance is the PLOT in our stories. While many other genres have a story with an ongoing love theme, they might be mysteries or mainstream novels, or even thrillers, but the romance in those stories don't generate the plot. In a true romance, the plot is divided into external and internal plot, but authors often hear from our editors, don't allow the plot to overshadow the romance. The love story between our hero and heroine IS the main plot of the story. How do they overcome what might seem like overwhelming odds to fall in love at the end? So, while we might have a good external plot going and deep emotional internal conflicts, the bottom line is that in all true romances, the PLOT is the romance. If there isn't a happily ever after, then we don't have a romance.